If your dog whines or barks while in its crate, you must neither yell or pound on the crate, nor let the dog out the former will simply scare and confuse the dog, while the latter rewards its bad behavior. Be firm, but loving at all times. By maintaining a positive and consistent course of training, your dog will soon come to understand its dog crate for what it is a cozy private space to call its own. A good quality crate should last through the lifetime of your dog, serving to keep its occupant safe and warm and secure throughout many happy years.

This makes them popular among those who have limited space in their home or car, and do not use the item on a daily basis. People who take their dogs camping also find soft dog crates useful, as they can be packed easily. The elderly or disabled, or anyone who has difficulty lifting heavy objects, should consider this advantage to a soft dog crate. Similarly, soft dog crates differ from rigid ones in cleaning. Metal or plastic dog crates must be handwashed. Although many offer removable floor pans in case of accidents, these must still be scrubbed clean.

I have found my dog will happily chew her rawhide bone as she is dropping off to sleep in her crate and again when she wakes. Especially first thing in the mornings this can give me a much appreciated extra fifteen minutes of sleep. It is a good idea to give your dog some treats when you put him in his crate, to reinforce positive feelings: a little snack before he settles down to sleep would go down well. If your dog wears a collar make sure you remove it before he goes into the crate. Dogs have choked to death when their collar or Id tags have caught on the crates bars.